Purisima proposes council to support ‘creative’ industries

Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima proposed yesterday the creation of a Philippine Creative Economic Council that would tap, develop and support the creative industries of the country.

According to Purisima, creative industries are those that involve individual creativity, skill and talent, and have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of the Filipinos’ intellectual property.

"Creative industries are made up of entrepreneurs as well as small medium enterprises that are engaged in the following sectors: advertising, architecture, book publishing, arts and antiques, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, interactive leisure software, music, performing arts, publishing, software and computer services and television and radio," Purisima added.

Purisima pointed out that the economic condition of creative industries has not been given much priority by the government because of its function and size.

But with emphasis now being given to the entrepreneurial ventures to the small and medium enterprises, Purisima said, the creative industry should now be brought into focus because of its ability to generate jobs and contribute to the economy.

Purisima noted that while the electronics sector makes up 66 percent of the country’s exports, there are export sectors which rely on the country’s creativity such as e-services, home furnishings, gifts and holiday décor and wearables.

Home furnishings, gifts and holiday décor and wearables, Purisima said, make up just about three percent of the Philippines’ total $36-billion export industry .

However, it provides livelihood for an estimated two million workers directly and indirectly.

While such products may be cheaper from Indonesia, Vietnam or China, Purisima said, foreign buyers seek Philippine products because of its creativity and innovation.

With a Creative Council, Purisima said, the country can expand its exports basket to include products coming from other creative sectors.